At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for and maintain our amazing farm animals during weekends and half-term breaks.
- Company: Join the vibrant LIFE Education Trust at Frances Bardsley Academy.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour with flexible weekend hours and potential for more.
- Other info: Be part of an outstanding school community with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Perfect for animal lovers seeking a rewarding and flexible role.
- Qualifications: Genuine care for animals and ability to work independently.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
We are looking for a brilliant, dedicated individual to join our Farm team. If you love animals and are looking for a rewarding, flexible weekend role, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
As our Weekend Farm Assistant, you will take primary responsibility for the care, well-being, and maintenance of all our wonderful farm animals during weekends and half-term breaks. Your daily routine will include:
- Feeding the animals according to schedule
- Cleaning and refilling water stations
- Replacing bedding
- Turning out our ducks, chickens, and ponies to graze when the weather permits
You will also monitor the animals' general health, administer oral or topical medications as required, identify any maintenance issues, and ensure the farm is fully secure before leaving the site. Working under the guidance of our Farm and Enrichment Leader, you will play a crucial role in keeping our school farm safe, happy, and thriving.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- A genuine care for animal welfare and a supportive nature that aligns with the Trust’s mission
- The ability to work responsibly on their own initiative during weekends and half-terms to keep the farm running safely
- Competence in routine animal care, including following feeding schedules, cleaning water stations, and replacing bedding
- A keen eye for detail to check the general well-being of the animals, and the ability to safely administer medication
- Confidence in handling and turning out specific farm animals, such as ducks, chickens, and ponies
- Alertness to spot maintenance issues (like damaged fencing) and a strict adherence to locking up and securing enclosures
The successful candidate will be based at Frances Bardsley Academy and become part of an oversubscribed, flourishing school for girls aged 11 to 18, with confident, courteous, articulate students and an ethos in empowerment. The school has a positive environment, with dedicated and supportive colleagues who strive for excellence.
The Frances Bardsley Academy is dedicated to the growth and development of its teachers and leaders, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career progression. At the LIFE Education Trust, our mission is 'To build great learning communities where children flourish'.
For further information about this role and to apply, please click here. Visits to the school are welcomed. Closing date: 22 June 2026 at 9am. The Trust reserves the right to interview prior to the deadline date.
We encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds and all parts of the community, particularly people from ethnic minorities who are currently under-represented. LIFE Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.
Weekend Farm Assistant Employer: LIFE Education Trust - The Frances Bardsley Academy Reference: SCH/26/339530 employer: Havering Schools
LIFE Education Trust - The Frances Bardsley Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding and flexible weekend role as a Weekend Farm Assistant. With a strong commitment to animal welfare and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from a positive environment, dedicated colleagues, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a flourishing school community. Located in Romford, the academy boasts beautiful facilities and has been recognised for its outstanding performance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful employment in education and animal care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend Farm Assistant Employer: LIFE Education Trust - The Frances Bardsley Academy Reference: SCH/26/339530
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Havering Schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend Farm Assistant Employer: LIFE Education Trust - The Frances Bardsley Academy Reference: SCH/26/339530
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Havering Schools!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Havering Schools. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Havering Schools. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Havering Schools
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
